1. Special Ed. Handbook for Incoming Freshman Joel Basquez

2. Goals Development of a Freshman Orientation Handbook that addresses the school rules and the very real survival issues that Freshmen may encounter during their first year of high school.

3. Academic Content Standards Comprehension and Analysis of Grade-Level-Appropriate Text 2.3 Generate relevant questions about readings on issues that can be researched. 2.4 Synthesize the content from several sources or works by a single author dealing with a single issue; paraphrase the ideas and connect them to other sources and related topics to demonstrate comprehension. 2.5 Extend ideas presented in primary or secondary sources through original analysis, evaluation, and elaboration. 2.6 Demonstrate use of sophisticated learning tools by following technical directions (e.g., those found with graphic calculators and specialized software

4. Academic Standards Processes Establishing main ideas and topics for discussion Ordering and sequencing ideas, observations and recollections of events and experiences Framing central questions about an issue or situation Comparing and contrasting experiences

5. Emotional Goals Reflect with students about their high school experiences, and help them understand the value of education beyond the physical diploma. Students can see themselves as both mentors and teachers. Build a bridge between special education students and general education population Help incoming middle school SPED students transition into a high school setting

6. Civic Responsibility Partnership between middle and high schools: Students leaving middle school and entering high school may feel as though they do not belong in a new setting. By utilizing current 9 th graders to help ease this transition, a bridge is built between the feeder middle school and the high school.

7. Collaboration By working with other school entities (such as AVID), SPED students are able to interact with other students while working on a common goal.

8. Writing Workshop & AVID The AVID students mentored the SPED students through the entire process. From locating essential information, to writing, editing and drafting a final copy.

9. More Collaboration “In the beginning, I was a little afraid to work with the juniors (AVID). Now, I feel like they are good friends and extremely helpful” – Workshop Student

10. Work, work, work…. Enjoying a break

11. Work Sample Santa Clara’s Lockers “At Santa Clara High School all students are provided with a locker. Lockers are useful for storing anything from school supplies to personal items. Although your lockers don’t get checked very often they can be searched so don’t have anything you shouldn’t. Another fact is that you should not keep any valuable items in your locker because if something gets stolen it’s your responsibility. Also don’t tell anyone your locker combination, but there is a chance that you will have to share a locker.” ~David

12. Sample (continued) Personal Experience: “I have never used my locker, but it would have been helpful to have extra space. I’ve used my backpack the whole year and most of the time it gets really annoying. The reason I never got a locker was because I lost the piece of paper that said my combination and locker number, on top of that my locker partner never got it either. We were both too lazy to go to the office and find out the information, but I wish we did.” ~David

13. Work Sample “There are all types of disciplinary action; it varies on what you do. There is Lunch detention, Thursday school, Saturday school, In-school suspension, Home suspension, and Expulsion. Lunch detention you sit in the theater, for as long as they want you there no talking, no using your phone, and no feet on the back chairs. Thursday school you go before school starts at 8 and ends 9:50 then school starts at 10. Saturday school starts at 8 and ends 11:45 you may have clean up duty so dress proper. In-school suspension you sit in the office or designated location. You do your work there. Home suspension you are not allowed on campus at all. And you may not make up class work. Expulsion you can go back to the school at all. From my experience I only have had lunch detention and Thursday school. It’s very boring and long- I don’t think you would want to go there.” ~ Tricia

14. Complete! Happy to have submitted his final project!

15. Reflection “ I had a great time” “I love the AVID students and making the book was a lot of fun” “The tenth graders should have to make us a book” “I wish I had this as a freshman” “I hate writing, but I definitely liked the project” Thanks to all the AVID students and teachers for their time and effort!!!!!